Seiyun, Yemen – Forty-six Yemeni non-governmental organizations condemned on Monday the abduction by Yemeni authorities of peaceful protesters and activists in Seiyun, the capital of Wadi Hadramawt in eastern Yemen. These organizations considered these actions to be grave violations of human rights and international law.
Details of the violations
In a joint statement addressed to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Office of the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, the organizations stated that Brotherhood-affiliated emergency forces used live ammunition to disperse a peaceful march held on Friday, February 6, near Seiyun International Airport. This occurred while the participants were exercising their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. The statement added that these forces launched a campaign of arbitrary arrests targeting approximately 25 activists and demonstrators, including journalists and human rights defenders. This campaign continued until February 8, and its effects are still being felt. The organizations also documented raids on the homes of activists without warrants, employing intimidation tactics and violating the sanctity of residences. Furthermore, some minors were detained in illegal facilities within Seiyun Airport. These minors were subjected to ill-treatment and threats of forced transfer out of the country.
Serious violations of international law
The organizations asserted that these practices constitute a blatant violation of the right to life, the prohibition against arbitrary arrest, the right to peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression. They also deemed them violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and international standards concerning the use of force by law enforcement agencies.
Call for international action
The statement condemned the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters, as well as the arbitrary arrests and illegal raids, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees. It also called for the dispatch of independent international commissions to investigate the violations, including the use of lethal force and arbitrary arrests. The organizations warned that the continuation of these practices threatens social peace and undermines the rule of law. They urged the international community to take immediate action to protect civilians and safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms in Wadi Hadramawt.
